Church Chat

In this episode I talk with Christopher Smith, editor of the Englewood Review of Books and author of How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church. We discuss how this kind of conversation works and how it has transformed his church and others. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

My guest this episode is Trey Finley, Executive Director of eleven:28 ministries which helps leaders and organizations develop rhythms for soul care. We talk about what soul care is, why it’s so important yet why it is lacking, and how leaders and churches can find the soul support they need. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

Three years ago, a group of 12 pastors in a small town in North Carolina — six black, six white — began meeting together to read through a book about racism. The conversations transformed the participants, their churches, and their community. Listen to my interview with the Revs. Dr. Joseph Bryant, Peter Dodge, and Lyle Milligan from Reidsville, NC. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode I talk to Lee Eclov, Pastor at Village Church of Lincolnshire in the Chicago suburbs. We talk about how pastoring a non-growing church has challenged and changed his perspective of leadership, his worth, and church metrics. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode I talk with Bud Wrenn, Pastor at Integrity Community Church in Burlington, NC and Principal at Pinnacle Consulting Group. We discuss the importance of understanding and leading at various “levels” of organizational planning. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

My guest this episode is Dr. Scott Douglas, Pastor at Emmanuel Bible Church in Bradenton, FL. Scott talks about what it means to “lead up”: moving from the “second chair” to the lead pastor role, leading when you are much younger than the majority of your congregation, and the challenges and opportunities of ministry with senior citizens and retirees. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

This episode features my conversation with Dr. Scott Hagley, Assistant Professor of Missiology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and author of the book Eat What Is Set Before You. We talk about contextual missiology, the symbiotic relationship between a church and its neighborhood, and the dangers of a “competitive religious economy.” Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

This episode features Beth Booram, trained Spiritual Director and Co-Founder and Co-Director of Fall Creek Abbey urban retreat home in Indianapolis. We discuss spiritual direction, including what it is, how it works, and who it is for. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

My guest on this episode is Ron Klassen, Executive Director of the Rural Home Missionary Association (RHMA). Ron explains the myths, challenges, and opportunities for rural and small-town ministry and shares his own journey as a small-town pastor. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode I talk with Dr. Robert McCready, pastor at Covenant Church in Charlottesville, VA. We talk about the concept of “family integrated church,” what it looks like, its strengths and disadvantages, and what it’s like to come back to your first church after serving elsewhere. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.